Designed by
Davy, Peter, Saint Vincentian, 1944 - 1990
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1960s - 1980s
Medium
synthetic cellulose with plastic and glass beads, metal rhinestones, synthetic satin ribbon, and cotton twill
Dimensions
L x W: 57 × 19 in. (144.8 × 48.3 cm)
Description
A black evening dress by Peter Davy that is entirely hand embellished with two sizes of gold and silver plastic beads and rhinestones. The base of the dress is composed of a black synthetic fabric that has areas of looped pilling on the surface. The silver and gold beading outlines the looped pilling areas throughout the dress. The bust of the dress is constructed from a pre-made bra that has been refashioned into the dress’s bodice. It features a sweetheart neckline that has a higher concentration of gold and silver beading. Both bust straps are heavily embellished and feature an additional, decorative strap made from cotton twill tape with a beaded trim. The beaded trim consists of clear, yellow, and black glass seed beads and black glass bugle beads. The skirt of the dress is composed of two panels and there is a front slit at the proper left side. Gold and silver beading, and plastic rhinestones are heavily concentrated around the edge of the slit. The bottom hem of the dress features a black (possibly crochet?) lace trim that has been handstitched to the bottom of the dress. The trim features silver beads and rhinestones. The back bust of the dress is made from two panel pieces and features heavy gold and silver beading along the top edge. There are three sets of metal hook and eye closures along the center back seam. Below the closures is a keyhole cut out that is situated at the lower center back. There are five additional metal hook and eye sets below the cut out along with a black metal YKK zipper and black plastic teeth. The back of the skirt is composed of two panel pieces that are joined at the center back. The interior of the dress is unlined. There are black satin ribbons hanging straps hand sewn to the interior of the bust. Metal grommets are visible throughout the body of the dress where the rhinestones have been punched.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
dresses
Topic
Clothing and dress
Design
Fashion
Fashion design
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
Object number
2007.3.111
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f2013e9f-ef19-4128-8a02-34c221d7a3a6

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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